The number of people living on the streets in the city of Sacramento has dropped by 19%, a reduction of nearly 600 people, according to the most recent Point-in-Time Count released May 13 by Sacramento Steps Forward.
This biennial census found that there were 2,463 people experiencing unsheltered homelessness in Sacramento earlier this year, down from 3,053 in 2024. The data matters because it shows progress and ongoing challenges as leaders and organizations work to address homelessness across the region.
While unsheltered homelessness within the city decreased significantly, overall homelessness across Sacramento County increased by 13% since 2024. Of an estimated total of 7,458 people experiencing homelessness countywide, about 3,253 were staying in shelters or transitional housing—a rise of 21% from two years ago. Lisa Bates, CEO of Sacramento Steps Forward, said: “This year’s data shows that recent investments in shelter and coordinated access are making a meaningful difference. More people are accessing shelter and connecting to services in prior years. At the same time, shelter alone is not enough to resolve homelessness. To build on this progress, our community must continue expanding pathways from homelessness to permanent housing through sustained investments in housing, prevention and coordinated access.”
Historical figures show a larger decrease over time; since the last count in 2022 there has been a reported drop of about half for those living unsheltered within city limits. City leaders attribute these improvements primarily to more local shelter beds being available; targeted responses by the Department of Community Response (DCR); and real-time outreach combined with compliance efforts led by its Incident Management Team (IMT).
Mayor Kevin McCarty said: “Addressing homelessness remains one of our biggest and most unfinished challenges. The 2026 Point-in-Time Count is a mixed bag. It shows real progress: fewer people living unsheltered, expanded shelter and bed capacity, and stronger connections to services. We must stay the course by strengthening regional collaboration with the County, expanding beds and services, and delivering compassionate, cost-effective, and accountable solutions.” City Manager Maraskeshia Smith also commented: “It’s clear from the PIT Count that the City of Sacramento is making measurable, sustained progress… But there is still more work to be done.”
Since early last year over five hundred new beds or units have been added at locations such as Outreach & Engagement Center; Roseville Road Service Campus; Stockton Boulevard Safe Stay (in partnership with Sacramento County); along with programs like Street to Housing which helped more than one hundred twenty individuals move directly into apartments from encampments.
Brian Pedro—who leads DCR/IMT—said: “The State’s partnership combined with City’s strategic investments…is helping more people move indoors…” He also highlighted that DCR/IMT teams operate seven days per week responding to calls for service related to homeless residents—receiving over ten thousand calls so far this year—and engaging thousands while enforcing local laws.
The latest PIT Count was conducted over two nights this January by nearly eight hundred trained volunteers before being submitted for federal review.
